PetiteKnit in New Zealand: Why Makers Love These Patterns (and Why We Stock Them)

If you’ve fallen down the PetiteKnit rabbit hole, you’re not alone. Makers all over the world adore Mette Wendelboe Okkels’ clean lines, clever construction, and that unmistakable Scandinavian simplicity. And honestly? Once you knit your first PetiteKnit design, it’s very hard to stop at one.

Here in New Zealand, the biggest challenge is usually finding the right yarn substitutes without having to import specific brands (and wait weeks for them to arrive). That’s exactly why we’ve spent time working through her most-loved patterns and matching them with yarns you can buy right here at The Wool Shop — from NZ-grown wools to high-quality international brands already available locally.

Think of it as the best of both worlds: the elegance of PetiteKnit, combined with beautiful fibres that don’t require overseas shipping or guesswork.

Why Makers in NZ Love PetiteKnit

PetiteKnit patterns have a very particular feel — relaxed, wearable pieces you actually want to live in. If you’ve ever looked at a Scandinavian wardrobe and thought “Yes, that,” you’re in the right spot.

What knitters love most:

• Clear, thoughtful instructions
  (Her background in medicine shows in the precision — nothing is over-complicated for the sake of it.)

• Timeless shapes
  Raglans, simple textures, easy-to-style garments.

• A focus on flow
  The kind of knitting that feels good in your hands while still being interesting enough to keep you hooked.

• Room for yarn creativity
  Many pieces rely on gauge rather than a specific brand, so you can choose fibres and colours that suit your taste, skin, wardrobe, and budget.

Choosing Yarn for PetiteKnit Patterns in NZ

We don’t import yarns just to match what’s written on a label — partly because we believe in using the beautiful fibres we already have here, and partly because New Zealand knitters deserve options that are easy to access and restock.

So when you choose a PetiteKnit pattern from us, we’ll help you pair it with:

• Local NZ yarns (soft merinos, lofty woolen-spun fibres, possum blends, kid mohair)

• Nationally available brands you can always get more of

• Readily accessible international yarns already stocked in NZ — without the shipping pain

Yarn choice can completely change the personality of a piece, which is part of the magic. A Sunday Tee in linen? Cool and crisp. A Sophie Shawl in mohair? Pure cloud. A No Frills Sweater in NZ merino? Everyday luxury.

If you’re not sure which yarn will give you the fit and drape you’re after, just ask. We love helping people find the perfect match.

Why Our PetiteKnit Kits Make Life Easier

If you’re somewhere between “I want to knit this” and “I have no idea how much yarn I need,” our kits save a lot of mental load.

Each kit includes:

• The official PetiteKnit pattern

• The yarn we’ve matched for the correct gauge, feel, and drape

• A colour palette curated specifically for NZ makers

• The option to add needles or extra notions if you need them

It removes the guesswork so you can skip straight to the fun part — casting on.

PetiteKnit Patterns We Often Match Yarns For

(These are perfect for SEO and for reassuring searchers who are looking for NZ options.)

• Sunday Tee NZ yarn alternatives

• Sophie Scarf & Sophie Shawl NZ yarn substitutes

• The No Frills Sweater NZ yarn suggestions

• Novice Sweater DK / Chunky

• Oslo Hat & Balaclava

• Festival Sweater

• Everyday Slipover & Zara Slipover

If you’re browsing PetiteKnit patterns and wondering “Will this yarn work?”, email us or pop in — matching projects to yarn is one of our favourite things.

Shopping PetiteKnit Patterns & Kits in NZ

Whether you’re after just the pattern or the whole kit, we’ve made it simple for NZ knitters to access PetiteKnit designs without the international fuss. Browse online, order a kit, or chat with us if you want advice before choosing yarn.

You bring the inspiration; we’ll help with the details.